The first cold snap of the winter had many of us turning up the central heating - but there is help available to pay the extra bills through Cold Weather Payments.

They become available during times of extremely cold temperatures - described as seven days in a row when the temperature is below 0C.

If you are on a low income and receive one of the benefits that qualifies you for the scene, you can apply for the extra help .

How much is a Cold Weather payment?

You can get £25 a week for every seven days of cold weather, which applies between November 1 and March 31.

Can you apply for a Cold Weather Payment?

The temperature where you live needs to have been below 0C on average for seven days in a row. You can check your area’s temperature by using the DWP’s cold weather payment postcode checker .

You also need to be receiving benefits such as pension credits, income support, jobseeker's allowance, employment and support allowance or universal credit.

How can I apply for a Cold Weather Payment?

If you’re eligible for a Cold Weather Payment, you’ll be paid automatically after each seven-day period of cold weather. You should receive your payment within 14 working days.
